The History of Spectacles

66% of the UK population wear and rely on glasses, yet we do not know exactly who is responsible for the invention of spectacles.

The earliest reference to glasses dates back to the 5th century BC, where Egyptian hieroglyphics depicted simple glass lenses. In the Western world the first glasses invented are what we know today to be reading glasses. This invention is believed to have taken place between 1268-1289. The main wearers of glasses during this time period were monks and scholars. On a journey to China at a similar time, Marco Polo observed the Chinese wearing glasses. However, the Chinese claim that spectacles were invented in Arabia during the 11th century. Other sources claim that glasses were almost certainly invented in Italy between 1280 and 1300 by a man called Salvino D'Armate.

What is certain, however, is that the invention of the printing press in 1452 contributed to the need for mass produced reading glasses. These were sold in cities by peddlers and meant that the increasing amount of literature in production could reach a much wider audience. The working and middle classes used spectacles mounted in leather, wood and steel whilst the Upper class favoured hand held glasses that were more refined, with gold or silver frames.

As glasses became increasingly popular, advancements in the design were common. Throughout the 16-1800s quizzing glasses, single lenses, scissors glasses, temple glasses were fashionable and the first bifocals were invented by Ben Franklin. By the late 1800s, Teddy Roosevelt had ensured that trifocals were all the rage and cylindrical glasses to cure astigmatism were available.

Since the 1900s there has been much technological advancement that has resulted in the increased accuracy of lenses. Frame styles and shapes have also been developed, making glasses a statement accessory for both men and women. Today, many people continue to wear glasses despite the availability of contact lenses, with many choosing glasses with Plano lenses purely to keep up with changing fashions.

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